DHS statement: Illegal crossings down 40% on southwest border

According to a data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, illegal crossings on the western section of the U.S.-Mexico border are down 40%, compared to January numbers.

Homeland security secretary John Kelly cites “implementation of Executive Orders to enforce immigration laws,” as the reason fewer Mexicans are attempting to cross into the US illegally.

Increased difficulty in making the crossing has also been highlighted by people-smugglers raising their fees. The DHS says some have raised their price by up to 130% and now charge $8000 for a border crossing.

Kelly says U.S. Customs and Border Protection in committed to “fair, impartial and humane enforcement” of immigration laws, and will remain vigilant since illegal crossings generally increase between March and May.